The Ultimate Guide to Post-Pregnancy Beauty

Pregnancy and its roller coaster ride of hormonal changes can do a number on your hair, skin, and nails. In honor of perfectly-polished new mom Kim Kardashian and mom-to-be Kate Middleton, we asked the experts how to tweak your beauty routine after the baby arrives.

Drink your veggies for a brighter complexion

Drink your veggies for a brighter complexion

Your baby has sucked many nutrients from you in order to grow, and this can make your skin look dull. One way to revive your glow is to replenish it with antioxidants. "Juicing veggies is a great way to fit in the highest volume of antioxidants," says Cecilia Wong, a New York-based, holistic skincare expert. Wong suggests blending beets with fresh ginger and water for a refreshing drink. "Beets help replace some of the energy-boosting iron you've lost in the birthing process, while also being high in skin-brightening vitamin C," says Wong. "Ginger is an anti-inflammatory which helps reduce swelling and water retention." Wong says that in traditional Chinese medicine, women eat lots of ginger after giving birth also because those anti-inflammatory properties help the uterus contract.

Hydrate your skin with serum

Hydrate your skin with serum

You lose a lot of fluid when giving birth, which contributes to dehydration and papery skin. Wong advises new moms to feed their faces by applying a hydrating serum before their typical moisturizer. "Serums are made up of smaller molecules than moisturizers, so they penetrate the skin's surface more easily for even greater plumping and rehydrating effects," she says. "For best results, look for serums containing antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E."